St. Paul's pipe organ was refurbished in time for the holidays.
— John Gastaldo / U-T

San Diegans may have a greater appreciation than most for pipe organs. The Spreckels Organ in Balboa Park is the largest outdoor one in the world. The local chapter of the American Guild of Organists hosts “Pipe Organ Encounters” every summer. St. Paul’s has an “Organ Scholars Program” designed to encourage young players to keep alive the instrument that was Bach’s favorite.

The plan had always been to have the organ back in place for use at Christmas, but plans can go awry. This one didn’t. Trucked back in pieces from Missouri, the organ was put together and tuned and, about two weeks ago, played for the first time.

When employees at the church heard it, they came running.

‘Almost frightening’

About 80 percent of the organ is in place now. The restoration should be finished next month. Even though it’s not at full strength, it’s still a powerful instrument.

“So powerful it’s almost frightening,” Green said as he practiced one morning last week.

The pipe organ is a simple idea — wind blown through a pipe and out its opening to create sound — embodied in a complicated machine. There are four keyboards, dozens of knobs called stops, and a long row of foot pedals.

“The learning curve is ridiculous,” Green said. He started as a child, turning sheet-music pages for his father, an amateur organist. He learned to play at St. Paul’s and now directs its music program.

What he likes best about the organ is its range, from notes that whisper to ones that thunder. He’ll get the chance to play both tonight, in all those carols that are so familiar.

“For a lot of people here, music is really important to them,” said Rev. Thomas. “It’s sort of how they access God. They experience a sense of the sacred through the music.”

Keys are played, Christmas music pours out and — Hark! — to some it really does herald angels singing.